“Peaking at the Right Time Is Crucial”: Gurindervir Singh Eyes Big 2026 Season with CWG, Asian Games in Focus

New Delhi, April 14: Star India sprinter Gurindervir Singh began his 2026 outdoor season with a competitive outing at the Delhi leg of the Indian Athletics Series 3, clocking 10.40 seconds in the men's 100m at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

In a high-quality field featuring India's top sprinters, Gurindervir finished third behind Animesh Kujur and Tamil Arasu, who both clocked 10.28 seconds in a closely fought race.

Competing on the Mondo track in Delhi for the first time outdoors, Gurindervir showed encouraging signs, particularly in his start and acceleration phase. While he admitted that his body is not yet at peak condition, favourable weather and a slight tailwind ensured a solid season opener as he builds rhythm for a packed calendar ahead.

Speaking to myKhel, the Reliance sprinter remained composed about his performance, stressing that the race was more about assessing his current level rather than chasing immediate results in what is a crucial year for Indian athletics.

"I didn't originally plan to run in Delhi. Ranchi was the plan, but after missing Bengaluru due to some tightness following the indoor season, I decided to compete here. There was no pressure - I just wanted to come and run freely," Gurindervir said.

That freedom reflected in his race execution as well. The 25-year-old added further, "I think my first 50-60 metres were quite strong. Mentally, I was fully prepared. Physically, maybe not 100 percent yet, but it's a good start to the season."

Highlighting the difference between indoor and outdoor conditions, especially on a Mondo surface, the Jalandhar athlete, "There was a bit of tailwind today, and the weather was good. Outdoor racing is different, so now the focus will be on modifying training and preparing the body better."

With the Federation Cup, Inter-State Championships, and international qualification windows approaching, Gurindervir underlined the importance of timing his peak.

"This is a very important year. Step by step, we have to build everything. Peaking at the right time is crucial. My training timings are improving gradually, and I am setting small goals to achieve one by one."

The 26-year-old also spoke about the growing competitiveness in Indian sprinting, particularly the impact of training alongside fellow top sprinters like Animesh Kujur and others.

"When you train in a group, improvement becomes natural. If someone is doing well, you push yourself to reach that level. That's how standards improve. Globally also, athletes train in strong groups - that environment is very important, and we are building that in India."

Since his breakthrough in 2024, Gurindervir has seen a steady rise in recognition, something he acknowledged with humility.

"A lot of people came to meet me today and had expectations. Maybe I couldn't deliver my best today, but there are many races ahead. I will run better races going forward."

Looking ahead to a year featuring the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, Gurindervir exuded quiet confidence about hitting elite timings.

"Indian sprinting is improving very fast. It could happen in days or maybe months - but it will happen. 10.16 will come."

At the same time, he remains cautious about setting personal predictions. "I don't want to put pressure on myself with predictions. I will give my 100 percent, and when the time is right, the performance will come."

With a steady start, clear mindset, and belief in both himself and the system around him, Gurindervir Singh's 2026 campaign may just be the one where promise turns into performance.